Each and every year I attempt to see how much money I can avoid giving to Tesco's and the such like. This year was no exception, and as I sowed my free packets of seeds from my monthly subscription to Kitchen Garden magazine in the greenhouse in March, I looked forward to a bountiful harvest of Aubergines, Courgettes, Peppers, Potatoes (salad and main crop) Runner Beans, Tomatoes Raspberries, Strawberries, Peas, Onions and Shallots, Lettuce and a couple of pumpkin plants that a friend donated. I also sowed some wild flower seeds directly into the waste patch at the bottom of the garden where I am trying to encourage bees to visit, and some giant hollyhocks and foxgloves. Well, we have been through the difficult season, and as any gardener will tell you this year has been a particular challenge with the excess water situation - need I say more? So I was really pleased with my harvest - I did indeed manage to avoid buying any veg (apart from the odd cauliflower, and jacket potato) from anyone, and when I did I dutifully took my bag for life to Congleton Farmers Market and filled up with fresh produce from local suppliers. We are really lucky here in Cheshire in that we have the pick of local suppliers to provide everything we could possibly need to get by. We use Glebe Farm Shop in Astbury for our Breakfast Hampers, which provide our guests with their first meal after a late arrival, and saves a trek to the shops as soon as they arrive! This includes free range sausages, and bacon, free range eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, fresh bread, butter, milk, cereal, and biscuits, and all from local suppliers. We also leave enough tea, coffee and sugar for a couple of brews, toilet paper, kitchen roll and if you are only here for a short stay, you shouldn't need to buy anything if you are eating your midday and evening meals out!